Tilia Restaurant مطعم تيليا — Restaurant in Municipality of Olaya

As someone who takes pride in supporting local Saudi restaurants, I had high hopes for Tilia Restaurant in Riyadh. Positioned as an upscale dining experience with premium pricing, I expected not just a meal—but something memorable and reflective of the rich culinary potential of our local scene.

Unfortunately, the experience fell short.

I paid 135 SAR for a dish that delivered neither in quantity nor quality. The portion was surprisingly small, and the meat lacked uniqueness or distinction in flavor or preparation. For a restaurant with such high price points, I expected a clear demonstration of culinary creativity or at least excellence in execution—but sadly, there was zero innovation. Even the presentation, which attempted to be upscale by placing the food on bread, felt uninspired. Any average restaurant could do the same.

It’s disappointing, especially when you know that many smaller, local restaurants offer better quality, flavor, and care at a much more reasonable price. I genuinely wanted to like this place and hoped to see it succeed as a standout Saudi dining brand. But Tilia seems to be more focused on image than substance, which doesn’t justify the cost.

To be fair, the service was decent and the setting aesthetically pleasant, which is why I’m giving it 3 stars instead of less. But for the food alone, it simply does not meet the expectations set by its price point.

I hope the restaurant takes this kind of feedback seriously and rethinks what value it’s offering...

I went here during my 5 day trip to Riyadh. I stumbled upon it while leaving AlOlaya district and I like Saudi cuisine.

I’m glad I went here. The manager was extremely respectful and welcoming- regularly checking if anything was needed. The waiters were so very kind and attentive.

The food does not disappoint. The cheese sambosa was lovely, but I didn’t enjoy the meat ones as much- I think they were too garlicky for me personally. The accompanying chutneys were a nice pairing, they just need to slightly thicken them as one felt slightly runny.

The lamb Mandi is a popular item on the menu, and you smell the cinnamon sticks as soon as they lift the bread.. such a beautiful aroma. The dessert was complimentary Botha ice cream which was delicious!l and went well with the coffee. The menu offers several Saudi favourites including Jareesh.

The highlight for me was the layout of the restaurant and the local art paintings hanging across the floor. They also light bukoor for you when you...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Tilla, and I must say, the experience was exceptional! From the moment we arrived, the service was outstanding. The two ladies who served us were not only magnificent in their demeanor but also impeccably presented, which added a touch of elegance to our evening.

Their punctuality was commendable, ensuring that our needs were met promptly without any delays. It was clear that they were well-trained and genuinely cared about providing a memorable dining experience.

Overall, Tilla is a restaurant that excels in service, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a delightful meal complemented by attentive and professional staff. I look forward to...